Government shutdown means Marine Corps' Toys for Tots changes

posted by (WCBD, Larry Collins, Oct 11 2013)
-
3 years ago

Ten days into a partial government shutdown and almost daily we are seeing how it affects our daily lives. The latest reminder comes with changes to the US Marine Corps' Toys for Tots program.

In a statement to News 2, the Marine Corps said, "Conducting community relations events is not excepted activity during the Marine Corps' execution of a partial shut-down of operations due to a lapse in government funding. Toys for Tots is considered part of our broader community relations program, and is therefore not an excepted activity."

The statement went on to explain that marines could still work with the program on their off-time. They cannot be forced to help and would simply volunteer. The marines cannot be in uniform as they volunteer.

The good news seems to be that the government shutdown should not affect Toys for Tots in the Lowcountry. The Salvation Army is prepared to step in if the efforts have to be shutdown completely. The toys that would have been collected and the applicants who have already registered would be serviced by the Salvation Army,

Toy donation boxes will still dot the Lowcountry, but government vehicles cannot be used to delivery or pick up the boxes.

If you have any questions for the Marines, you can call (504) 697-8190 or (504) 427-8611.

News 2 will host a Toys for Tots phone panel Friday at News 2 at 5:00 and 6:00.

Registration begins Monday, October 14 at the West Ashley Salvation Army office located at 2135 Ashley River Road.